01Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
Cuenca
Christmas Parade
(Pase del Niño Viajero) — On 24 December, Cuenca offers a magnificent parade, considered to be the largest and best Christmas celebration in Ecuador and even South America. Thousands of musicians accompany the procession and every neighborhood decorates trucks, horses and whatever they can find with plenty of symbols. Children dress up in colorful costumes or as biblical figures. The parade last for at least 7 hours. During the parade, you will see thousands of people dressed up as Joseph, Mary, the three Wise Men, angels, etc. This is truly a sight to see.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
02Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
Cuenca
Festival de Independencia
The independence of Cuenca is celebrated with a huge festival that lasts twice as long as the battle did. Each year it begins the first few days of November and lasts for three to four days. There are hundreds of art displays, craft booths, roving entertainment, street food, and general festivities. Artisans from all over Ecuador, Colombia, Peru and Bolivia display and sell their works. During this time, there are also many stages with bands and performers. On the north side of the river, at the bottom of the Escalinatas, the grounds of the art museum CIDAP host much more elaborate display booths than those that crowd the sidewalks. A little farther up the river, at La Esquina des Artes across from the University of Cuenca, there are several artists, and a few vendors sell gourmet food products. La Esquina des Artes is an area of permanent shops of artists and artisans.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
03Culture · DAY 1 IDEA
Calle Larga and Huayna Cápac
Museo y Parque Arqueológico Pumapungo
The museum has very good exhibits for those interested in the ethnological history of the region and city, including exhibits like the shrunken heads. The museum has expansive grounds with well-preserved Inca ruins, an aviary with a variety of spectacular birds, a botanical garden with a focus on food and medicinal plants used by the Incas, and some llamas.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
04Culture · DAY 2 IDEA
Cuenca
Seminario San Luis
. Two small but cute courtyards adjacent to the cathedral, they can be accessed from Santa Ana street or from Parque Calderón / Benigno Malo. Both offer beautiful views of the domes of the New Cathedral. There are a few restaurants and coffee shops there, a very nice scenery to enjoy your meal.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
05Culture · DAY 2 IDEA
Hermano Miguel 3-23 and Paseo Tres de Noviembre
CIDAP (Centro Interamericano de Artesanías y Artes Populares)
The CIDAP has the largest collection of crafts and pieces of folk art of America, from 26 countries with more than 8000 pieces of ceramics, textiles, wood, metals, plant fibers, stone, glass, utensils, and tools of work. It offers a variety of temporary exhibitions throughout the year.
Allow about 90 minutes · planning estimate
Reference material retrieved 2026-10-19. Suggested days and time allowances are editorial starting points. Check the linked visitor information for opening hours, access, and reservations.
